Effective October 29, 2023, local time, the Portuguese Immigration and Borders Service (SEF) has become history, replaced by the Agency for Integration, Migration and Asylum, known as AIMA.
The new agency, AIMA, is primarily responsible for matters concerning residency approvals and asylum. Currently, the backlog of immigration cases from SEF has been transferred to AIMA. AIMA has the capacity to handle both existing and future immigration applications and will improve the overall processing speed for immigration applications. The Minister emphasized that the government is committed to welcoming applicants and ensuring they no longer have to endure such long waiting times to obtain their documents.
On the first day of the new agency's operation, the head of AIMA in Portugal stated that they will focus on digital information methods. In the future, appointments will no longer be made by phone; everything will operate digitally from the start. AIMA will improve and accelerate service efficiency and will add 10 new service points in 2024.
In addition, the renewal of residency documents will need to be handled at the Institute of Registries and Notary (IRN). In addition to being responsible for the issuance and production of identity cards for Portugal's more than 10 million residents, this department is now also responsible for the issuance and renewal of passports for Portuguese citizens, as well as the renewal of Portuguese residency permits for 1 million foreign immigrants. There is currently no news on how to make an appointment with the IRN for renewals, and there may be a transition period. Worldway will continue to monitor the situation and share any new information with you as soon as it becomes available.
In short, Portugal's new immigration agency strives to provide more efficient and convenient online services. This is also good news for immigrants.
As you know, on October 6, 2023, local time, the Republic of Portugal's official gazette published the new housing bill, which completely ended the real estate investment route for the Portuguese Golden Visa. As of October 7, no new real estate investment immigration applications are being accepted.
The Portuguese real estate investment immigration policy began in October 2012 and was officially declared ended in October 2023. This marks the official end of the 11-year era of Portuguese real estate investment immigration! For those who want to immigrate to Portugal through property purchase, the opportunity no longer exists. The saying that one must immigrate as early as possible is not just talk.
The two key elements of immigration are timing and choice! Those who seized the policy dividends have long realized their immigration dreams, while investors who have missed out should seize the present and get on board. In fact, no matter which country you are immigrating to, you should act as early as possible because immigration is highly correlated with the policies of the respective country. Who can predict the changes in a country's immigration laws? The only thing you can do to obtain your desired status is to seize the moment! Identity planning does not allow for hesitation.
Recently, immigration programs in various European countries have changed one after another. For those interested in immigrating to Europe, Greece is a good choice. As one of the few projects in the current immigration market that can quickly obtain a European Union green card, Greek real estate investment immigration is a very cost-effective immigration project among European countries. This project has loose application conditions, with no requirements for education, language, management experience, or residency. Furthermore, the whole family of three generations can apply for a Greek permanent residence visa, and the whole family can travel freely through 27 Schengen countries. At the same time, they can enjoy social welfare benefits such as Greek education and medical care. After meeting the conditions, they can apply for an EU passport, while also gaining property with permanent ownership. There are many advantages!
Currently, it is a good time to immigrate to Greece. Since August 1, the Greek Golden Visa has officially implemented a policy where the investment threshold in some areas has doubled from 250,000 euros to 500,000 euros! According to the amendment, other areas such as East Attica, West Attica, and Piraeus will maintain the 250,000 euro policy, and it will continue to be permitted to reach the threshold amount through an investment portfolio of multiple properties. For investors, this can be described as a new opportunity after the price increase of Greek real estate investment immigration. Investors who choose to purchase properties starting from 250,000 euros in non-price-increase areas can have their whole family of three generations apply for a Greek permanent residence visa, which remains a cost-effective choice.
For those who want to immigrate to Greece, choosing properties in non-price-increase areas such as Piraeus is currently a good choice. Moreover, property prices in this area are currently relatively stable. According to the latest Greek real estate data, property sales prices in Piraeus in the second quarter increased quarter-on-quarter, which is basically equivalent to the core areas. Among them, the Port of Piraeus (i.e., Piraeus Port) in the city of Piraeus, which is adjacent to the policy-change area, is expected to become a popular choice for investors!
Piraeus Port is the largest port in Greece and one of the top 50 container ports in the world and the largest container port in the Eastern Mediterranean region. The entire Piraeus Port area is equipped with complete supporting facilities, including large supermarkets, subways, outlets, Chinese restaurants, shops, freight, yacht marinas, theaters, stadiums, and other living facilities. The scenery is beautiful, the economy is prosperous, and the development of the Piraeus Port area is advancing by leaps and bounds. Surrounding property prices have once become one of the fastest-appreciating areas in Greece. Future appreciation and development have unlimited potential. Whether for investment or self-occupation, it is a very good choice! The minimum investment threshold in the Piraeus Port area is only 250,000 euros, and three generations of a family can obtain a high-value status!
The "Greek Piraeus Port Apartment" project, another heavyweight Greek real estate investment immigration project grandly introduced to investors by Worldway in collaboration with powerful Greek developers, has made a stunning debut. It is a high-quality property located in the Piraeus Port area, which is within the non-price-increase zone. The project has a superior geographical location, situated in the Athens Riviera area, adjacent to the largest port in the Mediterranean, the Port of Piraeus. The project has a well-developed transportation network, close to 3 newly opened subway stations, and is within walking distance to numerous bus stops, making it convenient to take multiple lines to reach all parts of Athens, enjoying the convenience of commuting. The project has complete supporting facilities, with large shopping centers, famous tourist attractions, stadiums, hospitals, international schools, etc., in the surrounding area, enjoying the convenience of life. The project has an active rental market, located in a popular area for long-term and summer tourist rentals, with broad development prospects. The project is meticulously crafted by a top London architectural design team, adopting modern luxury designs and spacious balconies. The top floor overlooks the landscape of the Port of Piraeus, and every unit has a private garden/balcony/terrace, suitable for both investment and self-occupation. The project meets the requirements of the Greek Golden Visa Act, with property purchases starting from 250,000 euros, allowing the whole family to obtain Greek permanent residency in one step.
As you know, immigration is a long and complex process. After investors and their families obtain citizenship through immigration, they will have inextricable links with the country for life. Many aspects related to the lives and careers of citizens may require government assistance and the issuance of valid supporting documents. These matters all rely on the assistance of intermediary agencies that have good relationships with the government. It can be said that Worldway is a reassuring choice for investors immigrating to Greece.
In July 2013, Worldway Group joined hands with the Greek Embassy in China to hold the "Greek Real Estate Investment Immigration" launch ceremony in China, introducing the Greek real estate investment immigration project to China. Since then, the country of ancient Greek civilization has opened its arms to embrace new Chinese immigrants, which also marks the official start of Chinese investors establishing a "second home" in Greece! Today is 2023, and the Greek real estate investment immigration project has reached a major milestone of ten years since its landing in China, which is of great significance.
Over the past decade, Worldway Group has maintained good interaction with the Greek government. Senior executives of Worldway Group have met with dozens of dignitaries, including the Greek Ambassador to China, Commercial Ministers, Consuls, and immigration officials.
After the price increase of Greek real estate investment immigration, properties in non-price-increase areas may become highly sought after. Those interested in immigrating to Greece can contact Worldway as soon as possible, as high-quality properties are in short supply.
For more details, please send us a private message in the comment section or call the Worldway service hotline. Mainland China: 400-138-2929, Hong Kong, China: (852) 2802 8798